Pinus roxburghii

Common Name: Chir Pine / Longleaf Indian Pine

Description:
The Chir Pine (Pinus roxburghii) is a tall, fast-growing evergreen conifer native to the Himalayan region. It is distinguished by its long, slender needles that grow in clusters of three, giving it a soft, feathery appearance. The tree has a straight trunk with deeply fissured, reddish-brown bark that becomes rough and textured with age. It thrives in well-drained soils and is highly drought-tolerant once established, making it well-suited to dry and rocky landscapes. This resilient tree is commonly used for reforestation, windbreaks, and erosion control, while also serving as an impressive feature tree in large gardens and parklands. Its open canopy allows dappled sunlight to filter through, making it compatible with underplantings of hardy shrubs and grasses.

Form:

• Tree - Large

Mature Size:

• Height: 30–50 m
• Width: 8–12 m

Aspect:

• Full Sun

Flowering:

• Does not flower (produces cones instead)

Flower Colour:

• N/A (produces large, woody cones)

Key Attributes:

• Drought Tolerant Once Established
• Disease Resistant
• Frost Hardy
• Suitable for Windbreaks & Reforestation
• Fast Growing
• Ornamental Bark & Soft Foliage
• Suitable for Large Gardens & Parks

Toxicity:

• Not known to be toxic to humans or animals

Companion Plants:

• Other drought-tolerant conifers such as Cupressus, Cedrus, and Pinus species
• Hardy native shrubs like Callistemon (Bottlebrush) and Leptospermum (Tea Tree)
• Underplanting with grasses such as Lomandra and Dianella for erosion control